PATRICE Evra insists he will not think of himself as a true international player until he has won 40 France caps.

The Manchester United full-back made his first appearance for Les Bleus in over two years against Greece on Wednesday, playing the entire second half in France's 1-0 win at the Stade de France.

Evra has still won only six caps, scant return for a player who consistently impressed - and played in a Champions League final - for his former club Monaco.

Finally hitting top form at United after a tough six months adapting to the English game following his é5million move in January, Evra is now being recognised again by French coach Raymond Domenech.

But the 25-year-old insists he will not believe he has made it until he has worn the famous French shirt many more times.

"Six caps does not make you an international," he told MUTV.

Experience

"You are only an international when you have 40 or 50 caps.

"In any case, I have treated this experience like my first cap because I have changed since I last played. I am not the same player now."

Although his reservations about English food and Manchester weather have been well documented, Evra has nothing but praise for the way his career has been handled since he joined the Old Trafford outfit.

From manager Sir Alex Ferguson right down through his coaching staff, Evra believes the Red Devils have been instrumental in bringing his international exile to an end.

"I need to thank everybody at United for what they have done for me," he said.

"When I first came here, I was asked to do my best.

"My first six months here were very difficult but the staff told me it was no problem and not to worry because people need time to improve.

"It is good being picked for the national team but my first priority is to Manchester United."